Best hotels in Zeerust

Explore Zeerust with stays near iconic landmarks, luxury hotels, and top boutiques for the best shopping and dining

Tau Game Lodge

Tau Game Lodge

📍 2874 R49 Madikwe Game Reserve, Zeerust
★★★★★ 9.7 (49 reviews)

"What a beautiful place to stay. The room overlooked a waterhole which made it perfect to see an array of animals even before going on safari. The rooms were well appointed, with an elevated deck, perfect for relaxing whilst watching the world go by. The staff were all excellent with strong attention to detail. The highlight of course were the safari drives. Herman our driver was very experienced and knowledgeable. He knew exactly where to go for the best viewings (even finding the African Wild Dogs). It was such a highlight. A perfect place to stay in Madikwe! "

Rhulani Safari Lodge

Rhulani Safari Lodge

📍 R49, Wonderboom Gate, Zeerust
★★★★ 9.7 (57 reviews)

"We had the most amazing stay at Rhulani Lodge. It is the most idyllic place. The staff were amazing. Nosa & team at the lodge go out of their way to make it special. They were so kind catering to my daughter’s allergies. It is an incredible setting. Willem our ranger was amazing. Going above & beyond for us. We saw so many incredible animals. I hope we will be able to go back again soon."

Last Word Madikwe

Last Word Madikwe

📍 Madikwe Game Reserve, Wonderboom Gate, Zeerust
★★★★ 9.6 (33 reviews)

"Me and my wife are addicted to wildlife, safari, game drives and wildlife photography. We go 2 or 3 times a year to Africa so we have been privileged to be to a lot of beautiful places in Africa. Last month (June 2014) we went for the first time to Madikwe and stayed 6 nights at Last Word. On arrival I was struck by a beautiful waterhole with a hide so you can come close to all the animals drinking at the waterhole and are able to make low angle photo's. What an absolute delight, the hide has an entrance and exit far enough not to scare the present animals. It is open 24/7 has comfortable seats and even beanbags are present. There is a water inlet next to the opening of the hide view where Elephants like to drink the fresh water. You have to be quiet but the what a reward. We have seen Elephants, Wildebeest, Buffalo, Kudo, Whartog, Rhino, Impala, Roen, Spotted Hyena, Brown Hyena, Zebra, Giraffe and many birds come drinking. Also there is light during evening and night, great light for viewing but for photography I would recommend a bit more bright light. There was always a lot to see at the waterhole in the hide or sitting in the garden in front off the waterhole. What an absolute pleasure that was. Normally we try to catch a little sleep between the morning drive and afternoon drive but we had extreme FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and did not went to our room and stayed at the waterhole/hide the entire day. The lodge itself is very beautiful decorated and has a great atmosphere. It is not a big lodge only two game viewers with maximum of 6 people per game viewer. They have a great chef, the food was delicious and they serve breakfast, high tea and dinner. The Staff was very friendly, genuine interested in your well being and went the extra mile to make your stay as pleasant as possible. The room was clean, comfortable and everything needed was available including refrigerator and aircondition. The bed was also very comfortable. The bathroom was a bit outdated. We were here at wintertime so during the night the temperature hit zero degrees sometimes. We were surprised to find a hot water bottle in our bed when we went to sleep. Also a hot water bottle with a blanket was provided during morning game drive. The reserve is a big five game reserve and the also have two packs of wild dogs. During winter it was dry but there was a lot of change of scenery with hills with dense population, plains and big dams. During our drives we unfortunately did not see the wild dogs, they were denning in the hills and only came down to hunt. But a lot of general game, Elephants, Rhino and we had a few very good lion sightings (also male lions with kill) and several cheetahs. At the beginning the drives were a bit slow but later we saw a lot of action. Our ranger was very knowledgeable, knew the area very good and needed bit of guidance to position the car the best way possible for photography but she picked that up very fast :-) After 6 beautiful nights and days we wen"

Motswiri Private Safari Lodge

Motswiri Private Safari Lodge

📍 Madikwe Game Reserve, Western Side Madikwe, Zeerust
★★★★★ 9.5 (48 reviews)

"We had a lovely trip with our two kids ages 6 & 9 to Motswiri. Great game viewing, friendly staff, good food, bonus being at a watering hole....elephant viewing from the pool!"

Madikwe Safari Lodge

Madikwe Safari Lodge

📍 Madikwe Game Reserve, Zeerust
★★★★★ 9.7 (45 reviews)

"Of the three lodges and areas in South Africa we visited, this was by far the best. Our stay in Kopano was outstanding with a personal service being given and amazing food. Really enjoyed our time with our guide Regard. Thanks to him we had great sightings of cheetah, wild dogs and brown hyena. A memorable experience. Thanks to you all"

Impodimo Game Lodge

Impodimo Game Lodge

📍 Madikwe Game Reserve, R49, Wonderboomgate, Zeerust
★★★★★ 9.8 (2 reviews)

"Our Love Letter to Impodimo ❤️🦁🐘🦁 Impodimo, how we are so grateful for the early morning wake ups before sunrise, the crisp morning air on the game drives, driving through untouched wilderness and hearing sounds we have never heard before. Impodimo, how magical it was watching the sky come alive during a sunrise or sunset...those shifting shades of gold, pink, orange and fire, reminding us to slow down and take it all in, and appreciate the moment. Impodimo, how we loved watching the wild animals roam freely in their natural habitat and sometimes getting so close that we could see the giraffes long eye lashes and the wrinkles on the elephants skin and the moment the lions powerful roar gave us goosebumps. Seeing life in the wild, reminded us of patience, courage and the beauty of simply being present. Impodimo, every moment opened our eyes in new ways. 'How blessed we are'... to forget all our worries and have a heartfelt gratitude for being alive. Impodimo, it was not only the stunning landscapes or the majestic animals but the people aswell. Watching our guide and tracker Sebastian and Mpho, celebrate every sighting with us, as if it was their first time. They weren't just guides, they became part of our story. Impodimo, you were exhilarating, restful, emotional, magical and heart filling. You reminded us that some of our best moments in life are waiting for us and still are. You stole our hearts and we know this unbelievably blessed experience will stay with us forever. All our love ❤️"

Rockfig Lodge Madikwe

Rockfig Lodge Madikwe

📍 Rockfig Lodge Madikwe, R49 Wonderboom Gate, Zeerust
★★★★★ 10 (3 reviews)

Tuningi Safari Lodge

Tuningi Safari Lodge

📍 Madikwe Game Reserve, Zeerust
★★★★★ 9.8 (31 reviews)

"Updated Pictures of the Tuningi Safari Lodge refurb. Our spacious Luxury Suites & Family Suites boast expansive private timbers decks with plunge pools as well as indoor & outdoor showers. The main thatched lodge offers beautiful indoor and outdoor lounges, an elegant dining room and a magnificent rim flow pool that overlooks a waterhole."

Jamala Madikwe

Jamala Madikwe

📍 Madikwe Game Reserve, Zeerust
★★★★★ 10 (25 reviews)

"Jamala Madikwe Lodge is an experience that one should experience at least once in their lifetime. This trip was just a dream for us years ago and we are very happy to have had the opportunity to make that dream a reality. The trip started with a flight from (JNB) Johannesburg International Airport to Madikwe East Airport. We were met by our guide KG who gave us a tour on our way to the lodge. Within that 30-minute drive to Jamala, KG showed us various animals such as elephants, deer, impalas, wildebeests, and other wildlife. It does not take long to realize that KG is very knowledgeable about all the different wildlife and about Madikwe itself. Upon arrival at the Jamala, we were greeted by a wonderful staff with cool towels to clean our hands and face. We met the owner Rodney shortly after and was formally welcomed to Jamala. It only took a few minutes to realize how breathtaking Jamala is. Your first experience will be the watering hole where many different animals gather to drink. It’s an impressive sight that has to be seen to appreciate. It’s not unusual to see elephants, wildebeests, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and springboks all drinking at the same time. Shortly after we were taken to our villa. Trying to explain how amazing the villa is would not do it any justice. I’ll do my best to explain the beauty and appreciation of our experience. When you first walk into the villa you’ll notice that everything is very clean and organized. The living and dining room is huge and comfortable, the bathroom has a huge shower with a separate tub. The sink area has lots of space for two. There is a separate place for storing luggage along with closets and shelves. The bed is huge and very comfortable, which makes it easy to get a good night’s rest. The best part is waking up in the mornings and going out on the back porch to view the animals at the watering hole, it’s a view that you will come to appreciate more and more each day. The safari drives leave at 5:30 am and 4 pm. Drives last 4 hours on average. We stayed 4 days at Jamala and took every opportunity to go on the drives. In those 4 days, we saw many different animals, way too much to name them all. We saw lions roaring to lions enjoying a meal from a freshly killed zebra. One day we saw a cheetah devouring an impala and the very next day we saw a cheetah with her 3 cubs enjoying another zebra kill. Every day was a new and exciting adventure. The staff at Jamala are beyond exceptional. Every service was handled with the greatest care. Every meal was made to the highest standard and each dining experience was designed to feel very personal and beautiful. All this while seeing wildlife at the watering hole or roaming around the expansive land nearby. This level of service is beyond exceptional and I would like to thank the staff for all their hard work and dedication. Our last day at Jamala came way too fast. We wanted to have more time to experience more of the African safari. I would like to "

Real traveler reviews of Zeerust hotels

10.0
Excellent community rating
Real & verified guest reviews from all over the world
G

Guest User

Other
Tau Game Lodge ★★★★★
"We were a family of 6 of all ages grandparents to children. We loved this lodge. The rooms were beautiful, clean and amazing views. Loved the outdoor showers. Food was delicious and plentiful. Our guide Tania was simply amazing she went out of her way to find as many animals as possible. Her knowledge led us to follow a lioness with blood on her chest back to her cubs eating their kill of a young zebra, we were so close! Another highlight was watching the 5 cheetah brothers, so incredibly beautiful. We enjoyed her company at dinner and had fun with her whilst learning a lot. It was all perfect but the main reason was the wonderful staff, so helpful and smiley, from the warm welcome to the waving goodbye. Perfect!"
★★★★★
2026-04-05
E

EmilyB5479

Couple
Rhulani Safari Lodge ★★★★
"Rhulani is one of our favourite places in the world, we’re lucky enough to have visited 3 times now and each time is just as amazing as the last! All of the staff are incredible and it really feels like a home away from home, everyone is so friendly and feels like a second family. Ralf was our guide this time around and he was amazing, we had such a good time and a great laugh with him - also had incredible animal sightings! Even on the days it was quiet with sightings we had an amazing time with Ralf. Thank you! We’ll be back again soon!"
★★★★★
2025-05-28
M

Margaret K

Couple
Last Word Madikwe ★★★★
"We have just returned from a fabulous stay at The Last Word Madikwe - a treat to celebrate our anniversary. Thank you Jodi and team …many special touches to make our stay memorable. The position of the lodge in front of the waterhole is spectacular, there is a constant stream of wildlife coming and going. Cold in winter, so come well prepared…the hot water bottles on the morning game drive were really great, but 2 or 4 layers of clothing still needed. Wildlife sightings were incredible and a special shout out to Sam, who was the most superb, knowledgeable, guide. Lodge staff were very pleasant and attentive, the food great, accommodation excellent and position of lodge spectacular. Well worth a visit. Thank-you to the team."
★★★★★
2024-07-14
G

Guest User

Other
Motswiri Private Safari Lodge ★★★★★
"We had 3 fantastic days at Motswiri! The African ranger Elliot was our safari-guide and made the stay unforgettable with his knowledge, skills and friendly personality. The stay at the lodge itself was also excellent - high standard, excellent view to the private waterhole with daily elephant visits, excellent food, friendly and efficient staff. The staff also made Christmas itself a higly appreciated experience with songs and decorations."
★★★★★
2026-01-07
A

Alessandra C

Couple
Madikwe Safari Lodge ★★★★★
"What an incredible stay we had at lelapa lodge! The staff were amazing, accomodation and view was just beautiful! The food was five star! We so enjoyed our game drives with Mike. He was informative and we learnt a lot on the trips. Would definitely come back again!"
★★★★★
2026-03-29
G

Guest User

Other
Impodimo Game Lodge ★★★★★
"Our Love Letter to Impodimo ❤️🦁🐘🦁 Impodimo, how we are so grateful for the early morning wake ups before sunrise, the crisp morning air on the game drives, driving through untouched wilderness and hearing sounds we have never heard before. Impodimo, how magical it was watching the sky come alive during a sunrise or sunset...those shifting shades of gold, pink, orange and fire, reminding us to slow down and take it all in, and appreciate the moment. Impodimo, how we loved watching the wild animals roam freely in their natural habitat and sometimes getting so close that we could see the giraffes long eye lashes and the wrinkles on the elephants skin and the moment the lions powerful roar gave us goosebumps. Seeing life in the wild, reminded us of patience, courage and the beauty of simply being present. Impodimo, every moment opened our eyes in new ways. 'How blessed we are'... to forget all our worries and have a heartfelt gratitude for being alive. Impodimo, it was not only the stunning landscapes or the majestic animals but the people aswell. Watching our guide and tracker Sebastian and Mpho, celebrate every sighting with us, as if it was their first time. They weren't just guides, they became part of our story. Impodimo, you were exhilarating, restful, emotional, magical and heart filling. You reminded us that some of our best moments in life are waiting for us and still are. You stole our hearts and we know this unbelievably blessed experience will stay with us forever. All our love ❤️"
★★★★★
2026-06-27
G

Guest User

Other
Tuningi Safari Lodge ★★★★★
"Excellent experience with exceptional food both from a taste and presentation perspective. The elephant sightings at the waterhole were beautiful and inspiring."
★★★★★
2025-06-19
G

Guest User

Couple
Jamala Madikwe ★★★★★
"Jamala, natural elegance, defined as ‘graceful and stylish; pleasantly ingenious and simple’……they live up to their name….natural beauty is everywhere, the animals, the sunsets, the people the buildings, the light so perfect…..elegant surroundings the central lodge has just been completely rebuilt from the ashes, it is a fabulous building, space and light everywhere and a stunning view on arrival straight through to the watering hole. The team has stuck together both through covid and this rebuild over many years, their love for this place shines and the sense that they look after each other is so lovely to see…..graceful and stylish, the hospitality here is so graceful Rodney and Nico are kind caring owners who are involved in every detail and greet you and look after you at all times in the lodge, making you feel like friends or family visiting the house / place they love. The style is also visible around every turn, art, drinks and cocktails to die for, gorgeous furniture, lighting and tableware…..pleasantly ingenious and simple, the safari suites are so luxurious and so big, bigger than many a London flat and yet everything functions perfectly, simple and easy to use. The food here is by far the best we have had at any lodge, wonderful ingredients put together with flair and presented just beautifully, wow. Precious, Lawrence and Happi look after you at mealtimes with kindness and attention to detail, we felt a real affection and gratitude for all they did for us over the week we stayed here. Finally the drives on which KG looked after us , he has been here many years and knew everything, we saw so many beautiful animals and had so much fun on our drives, just fantastic.This is just a beautiful place with a loving and caring soul that we adore, come if you can and let them look after you. Thank you to everyone we had a magical time."
★★★★★
2023-10-09
G

Guest User

Other
Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge
"My wife and I stayed at Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge for four nights in early June, and by pure luck we happened to be the only guests at the lodge during our stay. That meant every game drive was just the two of us and our guide, Joseph. We recognize that this is not the typical experience, but it gave us a unique opportunity to get to know the staff and spend a lot of time with them. Buffalo Ridge was one of the most special travel experiences we have ever had. The lodge is beautiful, Madikwe is incredible, and the wildlife exceeded our expectations, but what made this place unforgettable was the people. Joseph led all eight of our game drives, and he was outstanding. He has been guiding for 17 years, and it showed. He patiently answered our many beginner questions, shared his knowledge of the reserve and its wildlife, and seemed to have an incredible instinct for finding animals. Before visiting, I assumed seeing animals was mostly a matter of driving around and getting lucky. Spending eight drives with Joseph showed us how much expertise is involved. Whether he was tracking animals from footprints and droppings, scanning the horizon for movement, or communicating with other guides, it was clear that many of our best sightings happened because of his skill and experience. The drives themselves were spectacular. During our stay we saw four of the Big Five: lion, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. Leopards were the only one we missed, though we learned they are notoriously difficult to find. We also saw cheetahs and African wild dogs. One of our favorite sightings was two lionesses with five cubs. We also loved seeing elephant calves and a one-month-old rhino calf. Many of our favorite photos were taken with nothing more than an iPhone. The lodge itself is peaceful and relaxing. We frequently saw wildlife from our chalet and from the main lodge overlooking the watering hole. On our final morning, a herd of elephants came through as we were preparing to leave, providing one last unforgettable memory before our departure. The chalets were comfortable, the outdoor shower was fantastic, and we had no issues with Wi-Fi or hot water. We arrived expecting to remember the animals. We left knowing that what we will remember most is the people. The hospitality at Buffalo Ridge was the best we have experienced anywhere in the world. Chefs Julia, Katlego, and Josephine prepared meal after meal that rivaled or exceeded many high-end restaurants we have visited in the United States. We especially loved the freshly made desserts and quickly became fans of koeksisters. During our stay I developed a sinus infection, and Godfrey and Priscilla from the reception team went out of their way to track down medication for me. It made a tremendous difference and helped me enjoy the remainder of our stay. Penelope, Amanda, Cassius, Grace, and Elias were equally warm, helpful, and welcoming throughout our stay. Every interaction felt genuine, and everyone seemed genuinely"
★★★★★
2026-06-12

Zeerust travel info

Power Plug & Voltage

230V/Type D/M/N

💵

Exchange Rate

1 USD ≈ 16.51 ZAR

💳

Local Payment

Cards/Cash

📱

Connectivity

Vodacom/MTN/Telkom

🌡️

Current Weather

Mostly clear

More Zeerust hotel info

Data type

Details

Number of reviews

337

Total properties

15

Weekday Avg. Price

$1,583

Weekend Avg. Price

$1,576

Trending hotel

Tau Game Lodge

Zeerust hotel FAQs

Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.